The Executive Chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA), Rt. Hon. Eugene Uche Anya has been interrogated by operatives of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) over allegations of financial fraud and other misconduct.
SaharaReporters gathered that this development is part of an ongoing investigation into alleged large-scale financial irregularities and abuse of office.
Anya, who was appointed as ECTDA Chairman in August 2023 by Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah, was detained by ICPC operatives on Wednesday, April 16, 2025. He was held between 10:49 a.m. and 5:37 a.m. on Thursday morning.
Sources close to the investigation disclosed that Mr. Emike Ikechukwu, the Head of the Project and Physical Development Control Unit at ECTDA, is also under scrutiny.
Anya appointed Mr. Ikechukwu to the position shortly after he assumed office, despite his not being a professional town planner and allegedly bypassing more senior staff members within the unit.
According to financial records currently being reviewed by the ICPC, over N417 million was allegedly transferred from ECTDA’s account into Mr. Ikechukwu’s personal bank account. Of that amount, more than N210 million was later funnelled into the bank account of Eugenics Real Estate Ltd — a company owned and managed by Anya.
Sources disclosed that an additional N270 million was transferred into Mr. Ikechukwu’s account from the ECTDA project account. He then allegedly transferred more than N160 million directly into Anya’s personal bank account with First Bank Plc.
The ECTDA has faced controversy, including a June 2024 incident in which Enugu-based businessman Ihekwoaba Livingston Uzoho alleged that Governor Mbah’s administration, through the agency, planned to demolish his residence at No. 6 Ozubulu Street, Independence Layout, Enugu, to reallocate the property to Senator David Umahi, the current Minister of Works and former Governor of Ebonyi State.
Uzoho, originally from Imo State, told journalists he had been living in the house with his family since purchasing it in 2007. He said the property had all necessary legal documentation, including a Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) and a government-approved building plan. He also noted he had paid all required taxes without default since acquiring the home.
According to Uzoho, trouble began in November 2023 when Minister Umahi reportedly visited the area with his aides, taking pictures and videos of the property and neighbouring plots, including one allegedly owned by Prof. Obumneme Ekwueme, a brother of the late former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme. Uzoho alleged that shortly after the visit, some residents claimed Umahi distributed N200,000 and stated intentions to take over the land.
Just 24 hours later, Uzoho said ECTDA officials arrived and marked his house for demolition, giving him 24 hours to vacate the property.
Fearing that the government might proceed with the demolition without further notice, he filed a lawsuit at the Enugu State High Court.
© SaharaReporters
